The thing you have to remember about artists...is never to…
““The thing you have to remember about artists...is never to trust their immediate response. Whatever the news, their reaction will be self-protective. The mask goes on, and you see only what they let you see. These creatures carry their emotions around in a violin-case, reserving their only honest expression for the public stage. In private, they turn emotion on and off at will. Never believe an artist when he weeps or declares love. It's all a grand performance. Treat their upsets as you would a child's tantrums. Console, then instruct. Show compassion when it's called for, firmness when it runs out. Give them an illusion of your love for them - but never love itself, or they will devour you.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Artists often mask true feelings, presenting a performative self; their private emotions are controlled and selective.
In simple terms: Artists hide real emotions behind performance.
Key Takeaway
Treat artists with balanced compassion and realistic expectations.
Themes
trust
emotions
performance
relationships
boundaries
Mood
cautious
empathetic
Type
Art:1
Artist:1
Love:0
Remember Artists:0
Honest Expression:0
Emotions Violin:0
Emotion Believe:0
Artist Weeps:0
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- creative collaborations
- mentoring artists
Key Concepts
self-protection
public persona
emotional labor
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine vulnerability from performance?
- What boundaries protect both parties?
A Different Perspective
Artists may genuinely feel; deception is not always intentional.